The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks on warm August nights as Earth crosses paths with a dust cloud left by comet Swift-Tuttle. However, this year’s peak is less spectacular due to a full moon. The best viewing time is in the predawn hours, but the moon’s glare will severely compromise the show.
The Perseid shower typically delivers 50-100 meteors per hour, but with the moon at 92% full, fewer fireballs and fainter meteors can be seen. Stargazers can still catch some spectacular moments, especially if they visit remote locations away from urban centers and artificial lighting.
Experts recommend booking campsites in Joshua Tree, Mojave Desert, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for optimal viewing. Lie flat on your back and look straight up to maximize the experience. The Perseid meteor shower’s next peak is expected to be excellent in 2026, when the moon will be dark and an unusually large number of meteors are predicted to flash through the night sky.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-29/perseids-meteor-shower-moon-visibility